"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Waiting, Waiting, Waiting

We continue to wait for our letter of acceptance. As far as we know, there have not been any LOA's sent in quite some time. Rumors are flying around regarding the swine flu, BUT we do know that China has just recently given some families their Travel Approvals. Yeah! Good news! In our hearts, we were hoping to receive our LOA by the end of May, but know that it will probably take longer. Always thought that once we got our referral, I would be content in knowing that our daughter is there waiting and that we would be bringing her home soon. Wrong! I am even more anxious now that I have seen her precious little face and learned her story. I have grown to love her more than I could even imagine without even holding her in my arms. Please pray that we are given peace and strength to wait. We have waited this long ... what is another few months??

The Fam

Welcome

Welcome to our blog. We are the Garland family. Michael, Heather, Aidan (12), Keenan (9), Isabella (8) and Eli (3). We brought Isabella home in August of 2009, and Eli home in February 2013. We hope you enjoy our journey as a family of 6!

Aidan

Keenan

Bella

Eli

Our four blessings

Timeline

February 15: Apply to CCAI;
February 16: Apply to FAC (homestudy agency);
May 24: Received Final Homestudy;
May 25: Sent I800A application to USCIS;
July 11: USCIS Approval;
July 20: DTC;
July 24: LID;
August 9: LOI submitted to China, Eli's file locked!!;
August 17: Pre-approval from China;
September 19: Out of Translation;
November 1: LOA;
November 21: USCIS Provisional 800 Approval;
December 18: Article 5 issued;
January 9: Travel Approval!;
January 21: Eli in our arms forever!!